The oldest orchestra Mehter, which is the band of the Turkish Armed Forces and which performs at the Military Museum in Istanbul, held two concerts in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. July, 2 and 3, at Manas Kyrgyz-Turkish University and at the central Ala-Too Square was an unusual event. Performances of Turkish guests gathered lots of people, and the loud sound of drums attracted attention from afar. Military and ethnic Turkish brass band is known throughout the world as a forefather of all the military orchestras in the world. Mehter music orchestra symbolizes power and greatness of the country. Originating in ancient times,…

The oldest orchestra Mehter, which is the band of the Turkish Armed Forces and which performs at the Military Museum in Istanbul, held two concerts in the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

July, 2 and 3, at Manas Kyrgyz-Turkish University and at the central Ala-Too Square was an unusual event. Performances of Turkish guests gathered lots of people, and the loud sound of drums attracted attention from afar. Military and ethnic Turkish brass band is known throughout the world as a forefather of all the military orchestras in the world. Mehter music orchestra symbolizes power and greatness of the country. Originating in ancient times, in the Ottoman Empire, Mehter Military Band was responsible for the flag and at the same time it was a symbol of the Empire’s independence. Orchestra played during the battles, both on land and at sea, putting fear to the enemy soldiers and inspiring the Ottoman forces.

The musical instruments of Mehter evolved overtime and in different parts of the world such as Central Asia, Anatolia, The Arabic Peninsula, Africa, and Europe. As a consequence, they took their recent shapes.

1. Wind instruments:

Shrill pipe (Zurna)

Horn

Mehter whistle

Clarinet

Kerrenay

2. Percussion instruments:

Big drum (Kös)

Kettle drum

Small kettle drum

Tabilbaz

Tambourine

3. Cymbal

4. Çevgen

I am attaching for you the video from Mehter concert at the Ala-Too Square in Bishkek that you were able to listen it yourself and to feel the beauty and power of the popular Turkish band. I apologize in advance for not very high quality of the shooting!